Leaders
2026 executive committee
President
Chanel K Waples - CPE, RPL
Helena Police Department
Chanel began her career in public safety in 2008 as a Police Radio Dispatcher at the Honolulu Police Department in Honolulu, Hawaii. During her tenure in Honolulu, Chanel served as a Communications Training Officer and participated as a dispatcher during special events such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and tsunami and hurricane warnings.
In 2014, Chanel moved to Helena, Montana where she joined the Helena Police Department as a Public Safety Communicator and over the span of eleven years served as a Communications Training Officer, Lead Dispatcher, 911 Programs Manager, Agency TAC, and her current role of Support Services Division Deputy Administrator. She is dedicated to training development, professional standards, understanding emerging technology in public safety communications, and developing the next leaders of public safety communications. Chanel served as Vice President of MT APCO from 2022-2025 and is currently serving as President.
Executive Council Representative
Tim Martindale - CPE, RPL, CMCP
Gallatin County 911
Tim Martindale began his career in public safety in 2005 as a dispatcher at Pacific County Communications (PACCOM) in South Bend, Washington. Over the years, he advanced through the ranks, serving as TAC, Training Officer, Supervisor and ultimately Director. In 2006, Tim join the Washington Chapter of APCO/NENA, where he contributed to and chaired multiple committees, and served on the Executive Board as the West Side Ambassador.
In 2019, Tim relocated to Belgrade, Montana, where he took on the role of Director at Gallatin County 911 in Bozeman. His commitment to advancing public safety communications continued in Montana, where he served as Vice-President of MT APCO in 2021, President from 2022 to 2025 and is currently serving as Past President/Executive Council Rep.
Immediate Past President
Tim Martindale - CPE, RPL, CMCP
Gallatin County 911
Tim Martindale began his career in public safety in 2005 as a dispatcher at Pacific County Communications (PACCOM) in South Bend, Washington. Over the years, he advanced through the ranks, serving as TAC, Training Officer, Supervisor and ultimately Director. In 2006, Tim join the Washington Chapter of APCO/NENA, where he contributed to and chaired multiple committees, and served on the Executive Board as the West Side Ambassador.
In 2019, Tim relocated to Belgrade, Montana, where he took on the role of Director at Gallatin County 911 in Bozeman. His commitment to advancing public safety communications continued in Montana, where he served as Vice-President of MT APCO in 2021, President from 2022 to 2025 and is currently serving as Past President/Executive Council Rep.
Western Ambassador
Delaware Steingruber - RPL
Gallatin County 911
Delaware began her career in public safety communications in 2015 in both Gallatin and Broadwater Counties. Currently serving as the Training Manager for Gallatin County 911, Delaware is dedicated to improving dispatcher training, operational readiness, and professional development.
A recipient of the 2021 Montana APCO Trainer of the Year award, Delaware led the development of a 911 training program to meet the APCO ANS and in 2023 Gallatin Co was awarded Agency Training Program Accreditation through APCO. Delaware also completed the NENA Center Manager Certification Program, serves as an instructor at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, and was elected Montana APCO Western Ambassador in 2022.
Passionate about public safety communications, she remains actively involved in training, mentorship, and advancing the 9-1-1 profession throughout Montana.
Past Leadership
Kimberly Burdick, CPE RPL ENP
Kimberly Burdick, CPE RPL ENP
Kimberly Burdick began her career in public safety in 1989 and has served APCO extensively since 2005. Kimberly created and implemented her agency’s first training program in 1997 when she was promoted to supervisor, and after 17 years of dispatching, Kimberly found herself directing the 911 center in Choteau County. Kimberly has since served in leadership roles for APCO at state, regional, and national levels where she campaigned for professional development, improved legislative protections, and a more connected community for all Public Safety Communications employees.
Susan Bomstad, Center
Susan Bomstad
Susan Bomstad has served Montana APCO diligently since 1972. She held the roles of Secretary and Treasurer for many years until she was elected President in 2005 and again in 2009. After more than 30 years with Missoula 911, co-chairing multiple APCO conferences, and tirelessly working toward a 20-year retirement for emergency dispatchers, Susan is finally enjoying “retirement.” Curious what that means? Check out the Montana Law Enforcement Museum’s website for more information!
